motivation
noun
mo·ti·va·tion
ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən 
1
a
: the act or process of motivating
Some students need motivation to help them through school.
b
: the condition of being motivated
employees who lack motivation
motivationally
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of motivation in a Sentence
Some students need motivation to help them through school.
Many people have questioned her motivations in choosing to run for office at this time.
Recent Examples on the Web
This storytelling reveals the leader’s motivations and principles, helping team members feel more connected to their vision and approach.
—
Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Police say Clarke has refused to speak or provide any motivation.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
As for the personal growth aspect of Kennedy’s parenting philosophy, being open-minded enough to reflect on your own behavior, motivations and expectations as a parent can be difficult.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Harris could run for either president again or California governor, but having the motivation could be another story.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for motivation 
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Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Police say Clarke has refused to speak or provide any motivation.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
As for the personal growth aspect of Kennedy’s parenting philosophy, being open-minded enough to reflect on your own behavior, motivations and expectations as a parent can be difficult.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Harris could run for either president again or California governor, but having the motivation could be another story.
—Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for motivation
Dictionary Entries Near motivation
Cite this Entry
“Motivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivation. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
motivation
noun
mo·ti·va·tion
ˌmōt-ə-ˈvā-shən
1
a
: the act or process of motivating
b
: the condition of being motivated
2
: a motivating force or influence : incentive
Medical Definition
motivation
noun
mo·ti·va·tion
ˌmōt-ə-ˈvā-shən
1
a
: the act or process of motivating
b
: the condition of being motivated
2
: a motivating force, stimulus, or influence (as a drive or incentive)
lacks the motivation to lose weight
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